•  
  •  
 

Coal Geology & Exploration

Abstract

Objective The southern margin of the Junggar Basin (also referred to as the southern Junggar) possesses abundant medium- to low-rank coalbed methane (CBM) resources, with significant progress achieved in CBM exploration and production. However, there remains a lack of systematic understanding of the genetic mechanisms of CBM within the Middle-Lower Jurassic strata, along with its accumulation and evolution laws, in the Miquan area, southern Junggar. This absence restricts the commercial development of CBM in these strata.Method Focusing on CBM within the Middle-Lower Jurassic Xishanyao and Badaowan formations in the Miquan area, this study further identified the CBM origins and characterized the CBM accumulation patterns in detail. Using the Petromod basin modeling software, this study simulated the geological evolution process of the Jurassic coal seams and elucidated CBM enrichment and accumulation laws. Accordingly, it established and improved the CBM accumulation patterns of the Jurassic strata in the Miquan area. Results and Conclusions In the Miquan area, the CBM within the Xishanyao Formation is dominated by secondary biogenic gas, while that in the Badaowan Formation consists of thermogenic gas formed after modification by microbial degradation (similar to the Fukang block). Laterally, the Badaowan syncline exhibits a significantly higher gas content (6.62 m3/t) than the Northern monocline (5.40 m3/t). Vertically, there is a negative correlation between gas content and methane concentration. Specifically, with increasing coal seam burial depth, the gas content trended upward, while the methane concentration showed a decreasing trend. Further investigation reveals that the CBM accumulation evolution in the Miquan area can be divided into five key stages: the generation and dissipation of primary biogenic gas during the Early–Middle Jurassic (199‒163 Ma); the generation of secondary biogenic gas in the Xishanyao Formation during the Middle–Late Jurassic (163‒135 Ma); the generation of thermogenic gas in the Badaowan Formation during the Cretaceous (135‒78 Ma); the continuous recharge of thermogenic gas in the Badaowan Formation during the Late Cretaceous–Oligocene (78‒23 Ma), and the recharge of secondary biogenic gas and the modification of thermogenic gas since the Neogene (23 Ma to present). The control and enrichment laws of CBM within the Jurassic strata in the Miquan area were also revealed, characterized by syncline-controlled enrichment, structure-controlled accumulation, and hydrodynamic sealing. Accordingly, three accumulation pattern types were established: Badaowan syncline-fault type, the Qidaowan anticline-fault-lithologic trap type, and the hydrodynamic sealing type of steeply inclined coal seams in the Northern monocline. The results of this study can provide a reference for understanding the genetic mechanisms and developing exploration schemes of other medium- to low-rank CBM.

Keywords

origin of coalbed methane (CBM), medium and low coal ranks, enrichment and accumulation, Miquan area, southern margin of the Junggar Basin

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.26.01.0048

Reference

[1] 孙钦平,孙斌,孙粉锦,等. 准噶尔盆地东南部低煤阶煤层气富集条件及主控因素[J]. 高校地质学报,2012,18(3):460−464

SUN Qinping,SUN Bin,SUN Fenjin,et al. Accumulation and geological controls of low−rank coalbed methane in southeastern Junggar Basin[J]. Geological Journal of China Universities,2012,18(3):460−464

[2] 王生维,王峰明,侯光久,等. 新疆阜康白杨河矿区急倾斜煤层的煤层气开发井型[J]. 煤炭学报,2014,39(9):1914−1918

WANG Shengwei,WANG Fengming,HOU Guangjiu,et al. CBM development well type for steep seam in Fukang Baiyanghe mining area,Xinjiang[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2014,39(9):1914−1918

[3] LI Xin,FU Xuehai,YANG Xuesong,et al. Coalbed methane accumulation and dissipation patterns:A case study of the Junggar Basin,NW China[J]. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences,2018,160:13−26.

[4] 袁远,邵长东,唐跃,等. 低煤阶煤层气有利区多参数评价研究:以准南西山窑组煤层气为例[J]. 中国煤炭,2025,51(1):73−81

YUAN Yuan,SHAO Changdong,TANG Yue,et al. Multi−parameter evaluation of favorable blocks for low rank coalbed methane:A case study of coalbed methane in Xishanyao Formation in the southern margin of the Junggar Basin[J]. China Coal,2025,51(1):73−81

[5] 汤达祯,杨曙光,唐淑玲,等. 准噶尔盆地煤层气勘探开发与地质研究进展[J]. 煤炭学报,2021,46(8):2412−2425

TANG Dazhen,YANG Shuguang,TANG Shuling,et al. Advance on exploration−development and geological research of coalbed methane in the Junggar Basin[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2021,46(8):2412−2425

[6] 杜世涛,杨曙光,李瑞明,等. 新疆地区煤层气勘探开发工艺技术难点与对策[J]. 地质通报,2025,44(6):1021−1032

DU Shitao,YANG Shuguang,LI Ruiming,et al. Challenges and strategies for the exploration and development of coalbed methane technology in Xinjiang region[J]. Geological Bulletin of China,2025,44(6):1021−1032

[7] 姜维,吴恒,王惠. 新疆准南地区煤层气井低产原因与增产措施研究[J]. 中国煤层气,2023,20(3):9−12

JIANG Wei,WU Heng,WANG Hui. Research on the reasons for low production of coalbed methane wells and measures for increasing production in Zhunnan area of Xinjiang[J]. China Coalbed Methane,2023,20(3):9−12

[8] 李勇,曹代勇,魏迎春,等. 准噶尔盆地南缘中低煤阶煤层气富集成藏规律[J]. 石油学报,2016,37(12):1472−1482

LI Yong,CAO Daiyong,WEI Yingchun,et al. Middle to low rank coalbed methane accumulation and reservoiring in the southern margin of Junggar Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica,2016,37(12):1472−1482

[9] 刘洪林,王怀厂,邓泽,等. 准噶尔盆地侏罗系低阶多源型煤岩气成藏特征及模式[J]. 天然气地球科学,2025,36(9):1661−1676

LIU Honglin,WANG Huaichang,DENG Ze,et al. Accumulation characteristics and models of low−rank multi−source coal rock gas in the Jurassic of Junggar Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2025,36(9):1661−1676

[10] FU Haijiao,YAN Detian,YANG Shuguang,et al. A study of the gas−water characteristics and their implications for the coalbed methane accumulation modes in the southern Junggar Basin,China[J]. AAPG Bulletin,2021,105(1):189−221.

[11] 张娜,伏海蛟,刘玲,等. 米泉低阶煤煤层气中CO2异常赋存特征与成因[J]. 新疆地质,2023,41(2):240−245

ZHANG Na,FU Haijiao,LIU Ling,et al. Abnormal occurrence characteristics and genesis of CO2 in middle and low rank coalbed methane in Miquan mining area[J]. Xinjiang Geology,2023,41(2):240−245

[12] 顾军,刘张军,陶仁婕,等. 阜康区块八道湾组煤矿构造特征与煤层气赋存状态研究[J]. 中国矿业,2025,34(增刊2):796−799

GU Jun,LIU Zhangjun,TAO Renjie,et al. Research on the structural characteristics and coalbed methane occurrence state of the Badaowan Formation coal mine in Fukang Block[J]. China Mining Magazine,2025,34(Sup.2):796−799

[13] 胡爱梅,唐书恒,张海涛,等. 低煤级煤层气成藏的主控因素分析:以准噶尔盆地南缘为例[J]. 中国煤炭地质,2010,22(10):27−31

HU Aimei,TANG Shuheng,ZHANG Haitao,et al. Analysis of main controlling factors for low rank coalbed methane reservoir formation:Taking southern margin of Junggar Basin as example[J]. Coal Geology of China,2010,22(10):27−31

[14] SWEENEY J J,BURNHAM A K. Evaluation of a simple model of vitrinite reflectance based on chemical kinetics[J]. AAPG Bulletin,1990,74(10):1559−1570.

[15] GÜRGEY K,PHILP R P,CLAYTON C,et al. Geochemical and isotopic approach to maturity/source/mixing estimations for natural gas and associated condensates in the Thrace Basin,NW Turkey[J]. Applied Geochemistry,2005,20(11):2017−2037.

[16] MILKOV A V. Methanogenic biodegradation of petroleum in the west Siberian Basin (Russia):Significance for formation of giant Cenomanian gas pools[J]. AAPG Bulletin,2010,94(10):1485−1541.

[17] LI Zhanwei,CHEN Shida,TANG Dazhen,et al. Genesis and accumulation modes of coalbed methane at the eastern margin of Ordos Basin,China:Evidence from its geochemistry[J]. ACS Omega,2024,9(45):45421−45436.

[18] SCOTT A R,KAISER W R,AYERS W B. Thermogenic and secondary biogenic gases,San Juan Basin,Colorado and New Mexico:Implications for coalbed gas producibility[J]. AAPG Bulletin,1994,78(8):1186−1209.

[19] FU Haijiao,YAN Detian,SU Xianbo,et al. Biodegradation of early thermogenic gas and generation of secondary microbial gas in the Tieliekedong region of the northern Tarim Basin,NW China[J]. International Journal of Coal Geology,2022,261:104075.

[20] RIGHTMIRE C T，EDDY G E，KIRR J N. Coalbed methane resources of the United States[M]. Tulsa：American Association of Petroleum Geologists，1984.

[21] MILKOV A V,ETIOPE G. Revised genetic diagrams for natural gases based on a global dataset of >20,000 samples[J]. Organic Geochemistry,2018,125:109−120.

[22] 叶建平，秦勇，林大杨. 中国煤层气资源[M]. 徐州：中国矿业大学出版社，1998.

[23] SING K S W. Reporting physisorption data for gas/solid systems with special reference to the determination of surface area and porosity (Recommendations 1984)[J]. Pure and Applied Chemistry,1985,57(4):603−619.

[24] 高玉巧,李鑫,何希鹏,等. 延川南深部煤层气高产主控地质因素研究[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2021,49(2):21−27

GAO Yuqiao,LI Xin,HE Xipeng,et al. Study on the main controlling geological factors of high yield deep CBM in southern Yanchuan Block[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2021,49(2):21−27

[25] 徐凤银,王成旺,熊先钺,等. 鄂尔多斯盆地东缘深部煤层气成藏演化规律与勘探开发实践[J]. 石油学报,2023,44(11):1764−1780

XU Fengyin,WANG Chengwang,XIONG Xianyue,et al. Evolution law of deep coalbed methane reservoir formation and exploration and development practice in the eastern margin of Ordos Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica,2023,44(11):1764−1780

[26] 陈冬霞,王翘楚,祝渭平,等. 川西坳陷深层叠覆连续型致密砂岩气藏气水分布特征及成因机制[J]. 地球科学,2025,50(1):110−126

CHEN Dongxia,WANG Qiaochu,ZHU Weiping,et al. Characteristics and genetic mechanisms of gas−water distribution in deep−buried continuous superimposed tight sandstone gas reservoirs in western Sichuan Depression,Sichuan Basin[J]. Earth Science,2025,50(1):110−126

[27] FU Haijiao,TANG Dazhen,PAN Zhejun,et al. A study of hydrogeology and its effect on coalbed methane enrichment in the southern Junggar Basin,China[J]. AAPG Bulletin,2019,103(1):189−213.

[28] 刘刚,李建忠,朱明,等. 准噶尔盆地南缘高泉构造下组合油气成藏主控因素分析及有利区预测[J]. 地球科学,2024,49(10):3529−3546

LIU Gang,LI Jianzhong,ZHU Ming,et al. Controlling factors and favorable area prediction of Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation in Gaoquan area of the southern Junggar Basin[J]. Earth Science,2024,49(10):3529−3546

[29] 曾玲,孙晓光,崔少华,等. 西山煤田构造−水文地质对煤层气成藏的控制作用[J]. 煤炭科学技术,2019,47(9):80−88

ZENG Ling,SUN Xiaoguang,CUI Shaohua,et al. Controlling effects of structural−hydrogeological conditions on coalbed methane accumulation in Xishan coalfield[J]. Coal Science and Technology,2019,47(9):80−88

[30] 闫睿昶，李熹微，李小冬，等. 冀中坳陷石炭–二叠系残留断陷盆地深部煤层气富集规律及有利区评价[J/OL]. 地球科学，2025：1–26 [2025-10-17]. https://link.cnki.net/urlid/42.1874.p.20251017.0911.002.

YAN Ruichang，LI Xiwei，LI Xiaodong，et al. Enrichment patterns and favorable area evaluation of deep coalbed methane in Carboniferous–Permian residual faulted basins of Jizhong Depression[J/OL]. Earth Science，2025：1–26 [2025-10-17]. https://link.cnki.net/urlid/42.1874.p.20251017.0911.002.

[31] 杨兆彪,吴丛丛,张争光,等. 煤层气产出水的地球化学意义:以贵州松河区块开发试验井为例[J]. 中国矿业大学学报,2017,46(4):830−837

YANG Zhaobiao,WU Congcong,ZHANG Zhengguang,et al. Geochemical significance of CBM produced water:A case study of developed test wells in Songhe Block of Guizhou Province[J]. Journal of China University of Mining & Technology,2017,46(4):830−837

[32] 王社教,胡圣标,李铁军,等. 准噶尔盆地大地热流[J]. 科学通报,2000,45(12):1327−1332

[33] 饶松,胡圣标,朱传庆,等. 准噶尔盆地大地热流特征与岩石圈热结构[J]. 地球物理学报,2013,56(8):2760−2770

RAO Song,HU Shengbiao,ZHU Chuanqing,et al. The characteristics of heat flow and lithospheric thermal structure in Junggar Basin,Northwest China[J]. Chinese Journal of Geophysics,2013,56(8):2760−2770

[34] 张灿. 准噶尔盆地米泉–大龙口构造带的构造样式与演化[D]. 东营：中国石油大学(华东)，2016.

ZHANG Can. The structural style and evolution of Miquan–Dalongkou structure belt in Junggar Basin[D]. Dongying：China University of Petroleum (East China)，2016.

[35] 高崇龙,王剑,刘明,等. 准南侏罗−白垩纪原型盆地边界变迁及其沉积物源响应[J]. 地球科学,2024,49(1):103−122

GAO Chonglong,WANG Jian,LIU Ming,et al. Boundary changes of Jurassic−Cretaceous prototype basin of southern Junggar and responses of sedimentary provenance and depositional systems[J]. Earth Science,2024,49(1):103−122

[36] 纪友亮,蒙启安,曹瑞成,等. 蒙古国东部塔木察格盆地南部白垩系地层结构及沉积充填特征[J]. 古地理学报,2010,12(6):729−736

JI Youliang,MENG Qi’an,CAO Ruicheng,et al. Stratigraphic architecture and sedimentary infilling characteristics of the Cretaceous in southern Tamuchage Basin,East Mongolia[J]. Journal of Palaeogeography,2010,12(6):729−736

[37] 董大伟,李理,王晓蕾,等. 准噶尔盆地西缘车排子凸起构造演化及断层形成机制[J]. 吉林大学学报(地球科学版),2015,45(4):1132−1141

DONG Dawei,LI Li,WANG Xiaolei,et al. Structural evolution and dislocation mechanism of western margin Chepaizi uplift of Junggar Basin[J]. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition),2015,45(4):1132−1141

Download Chinese Version

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.